Abu Dhabi Unveils New Child Centre To Bolster Child Protection And Welfare

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Family Care Authority has signed agreements with four Abu Dhabi government entities. These agreements aim to ensure child safety and well-being in Abu Dhabi. The initiative will enhance cooperation among social sector entities, providing professional services and governing child protection policies.

The Child Centre will offer comprehensive services to protect children and ensure their rights. It will focus on at-risk children and their families, nurturing their skills within a sustainable environment. This commitment ensures psychological and social stability, protecting them from harm or maltreatment.

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H.H. Sheikh Theyab emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "The safety and well-being of our children are of utmost importance. The establishment of the Child Centre is the result of the forward-looking vision of our wise leadership in creating a suitable environment for children's development and the collaborative efforts between various entities in Abu Dhabi, coming together to create a comprehensive approach to child protective services in the Emirate."

The signing parties included the Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Abu Dhabi Police. Key attendees were Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education; Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD; Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of DoH; Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director-General of Family Care Authority; Alya Mohammed Al Kaabi from Abu Dhabi Judicial Department; and Sana Mohamed Suhail from Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

Dr. Al Ghaithi remarked on the initiative's significance: "Under the directives of our wise leadership, the establishment of the Child Centre reflects our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of Abu Dhabi's children while providing them with a healthy and positive upbringing. The Department remains dedicated to providing the children of the community with the highest quality of healthcare services that meet their evolving needs, prioritising early detection and intervention strategies."

Comprehensive Services

The range of services at the Child Centre includes case coordination, investigative interviews, social and psychological interventions, medical examinations when necessary, and other support services. A professional multidisciplinary team will ensure seamless coordination among various entities involved in child protection cases.

Dr. Al Mulla highlighted the centre's role: "The Child Centre serves as a beacon of integrated care, offering a wide range of services under one roof, with a focus on child protection, early care, education, health, and family support through coordination among various social and government entities." She added that this strategic investment extends beyond immediate needs to lay groundwork for future resilient individuals who will positively contribute to society.

Community Awareness

The Child Centre will also focus on raising community awareness about maltreatment forms, dangers, reporting methods, enhancing family cohesion and ensuring child safety. This effort aims to protect children by educating families about potential risks and how to address them effectively.

The agreements stipulate that the Family Care Authority will operate the Centre by adopting measures aimed at protecting children in partnership with governmental and community entities. This unified system enables early detection and intervention to support at-risk children and families.

This initiative aims to enhance child protection in Abu Dhabi by raising community awareness about its importance. It ensures conscious generations capable of contributing to societal progress by protecting children's best interests.

The establishment marks a significant milestone in maintaining a safe environment for all children in Abu Dhabi. It demonstrates an unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and investing in their future.

With inputs from WAM